Mind WondersPlay

Famous ExperimentsBystander Effect

The 38 Witnesses Who Weren't

The murder that launched bystander research didn't happen the way the newspaper said

A headline says 38 people watched and nobody helped. What if the number makes you picture a scene that never happened?

You'll find out

  • Reopen the headline
  • See what the cameras counted
  • Turn a crowd into a clear request

Why it matters

Check what a crowd really knows and make your request clear when you need someone to act.

About 3 min6 interactive slides · 5 questionsLesson 49 · Zone 6

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More in this zone

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  2. 47ConformityThe Line TestWould you call a short line long because everyone else did?
  3. 48Research IntegrityThe Prison That Wasn't What We Were ToldFamous for proving power corrupts; the recordings tell another story
  4. 50HelpingThe Good Samaritan StudySeminary students rushing to give a talk about helping strangers walked past a man in need
  5. 51Group ConflictThe Robbers Cave CampTwo groups of boys became bitter rivals within days, then friends again
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  7. 53ExpectationsPygmalion in the ClassroomTeachers were told some kids would bloom, and those kids did
  8. 54AttachmentLove Beats Food: Harlow's MonkeysBaby monkeys chose a soft cloth mother over a wire one that gave milk